Psychological distress and related factors among parents having children with cleft lip and palate disorder: evidence from Sri Lanka

Background: Raising a child with a cleft lip and or palate disorder (CLPD) brings many challenges to the parents. Having children with CLPD can be a source of parental psychological distress (PPD). Stress experienced by parents may affect the development of a child. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with PPD among parents having children with cleft lip and palate attending a major dental hospital in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in cleft lip and palate clinics of Dental Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. PPD was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-30. Site of cleft and associated disabilities were recorded on data recording form using clinical records of the children. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 384 parents who accompanied their children to the clinic, 62.5% were mothers. The most common cleft site of the patients was cleft involving lip and palate (32.3%) and the least common site was isolated cleft of the soft palate (8.3%). The most common disability reported was speech problems (41.4%). The prevalence of PPD was 34%. Chi-square statistics showed that PPD was significantly associated with age of the child (P < 0.000), family income (P = 0.011), family structure (P < 0.000), previous knowledge on CLPD (P = 0.045), site of the cleft (P < 0.000), and disabilities associated with particular cleft (P < 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age of the child, family structure, cleft of the hard and soft palate, feeding difficulties, and speech problems were significant predictors for PPD. Conclusion: PPD is an important factor to consider in managing children having CLPD. This finding provides valuable information for the provision of multidisciplinary approach to manage PPD.